Dress Shopping Guest List

I would narrow it down to who's opinion means the absolute most to you. If you'd like to shop solo, go for it! There's nothing wrong with that

I personally think that's way too many people, and I'd cut the list down. I took just my mom because we've done a lot of dress shopping together, and she can definitely tell if I like or don't like something once I have it on. Something else to consider is that the salons might not have space for that many people. The place I ended up buying my dress from had an option for an extra $300 or so to take over the whole store, but otherwise asked that you bring no more than 4 people with you.

I am one who gets extremely overwhelmed with too many opinions, so I just went with my mom. I am having my stepsister and MOH to come to my first fitting so that they can be involved in the dress process as well.

It all depends on who you want there and who's opinions you want to here the most.

Good luck!

This is a very personal decision and I don't think that any of us will be a ton of help since we don't know your relationships with these people. It's great that lots of people want to go with you, but that doesn't mean they have to. I would take whoever you wanted before anyone expressed interest in attending. When you pictured your dress shopping experience, did you really see your FGIL there with you? If not, she doesn't need to come. Keep in mind that you will likely go shopping more than once so you could always invite others to your next appointment if you don't find "the one" at first. I think it's important to keep the group as small as possible for the first appointment when you're really figuring out what it is that you like. The fewer opinions, the better.

Invite who you want to be there, but remember the more you have the more stressful it may end up. More people = more varying opinions, which results in confusion wishing you could make everyone happy. Everyone feels differently about this, but I think dress shopping is a nice bonding experience for you and your mom. Maybe you can make one appointment with just the two of you, and another appointment on another day with everyone. That way your mom gets to experience this with you in a special way, and you can get a better idea of what silhouette looks good on you. Then you can include everyone in a separate appointment, where you can show them your faves (to limit the varying opinions) and let them help you choose between those.

I had my mom, sister, and sister's MIL. We were visiting my sister in Georgia (we're from Massachusetts) and made it a girls day. I agree with PP about not bringing too many people. Just the ones who's opinion means the most to you.

Maybe 2 separate appointments? That's what I'm doing. I have my mom, grandma, 2 aunts, a family friend, and uncle that want to go.

But my first wedding I never had that moment with my mom when looking for a dress. One of my aunts is like another mom to me. So my first appointment is with my mom and aunt.

Next appointment will be with everyone.

I agree with a lot of the previous comments, you should only invite the people who you truly want opinions from. When I do go, I’m going to try and keep it to a minimum. I feel like too many opinions from everyone can make it difficult in decision making. I also don’t think you want the drama and tension of people not speaking during this experience so if two appointments is necessary I would say go that route

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I completely agree. I kept it very small with just my mom and best friend and it was perfect. Also think about who will be respectful of the fact that at the end of the day, it's about what you love and them helping you find what YOU think is perfect, not them. If you don't think someone can do that, I wouldn't invite them. If you want to give them something special to come to, maybe invite them to some of the fittings (grandma and aunt at one fitting, mom and best friend at another, for example), You can also let them know that salons don't let you bring that many people, which is generally true. I went to four places and they all either allowed 3 or 4 guests to come, max.

Thank you all for the suggestions!!! I think ultimately I am going to invite my mom, grandma, and best friend. And then I will allow my aunts to plan my bridal shower and invite my FMIL and FGIL to that. That way everyone has a part but I’m still able to focus on a stress-free dress appointment!

Tradition is to go with 1or 2 people. This business of whole groups started with Reality TV. Most dress shop s hate it when large groups show, and a lot refuse to let there be more than 3 guests. They know that with every person added o we 2, the amount of time needed for each customer goes up, and the likelihood of the bride getting anything goes down. Anyone with a different vision than yours, will by their comments shoot down anything you like, promoting their choice. In the end all that will stick with you is the faults of every dress you personally like. Go alone, or go with 1 or 2 people you have always found it easy and productive to shop with . Mom's, aunts, grandmothers and bridesmaids in a group are a horror.

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It's funny you should bring up reality TV because when I told my grandma my dilemma, she said, "well I've seen huge groups on TV!" to which I replied, yeah and it's always a poop show! I think I'm going to cut back on who I bring and find other ways that they can be involved in the wedding process without having them at the dress shopping part.

I wanted a lot of people there with me but I also get stressed with opinions, plus I'm self-conscious and was nervous about people seeing dresses that might highlight some of my "less desirable features" so I went to 2 dress shops alone first to narrow down my options. I made a top 4 at the store I liked best and brought my mom, moh and a few bridesmaids back with me to make the final decision. It worked out really great!

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A lot of salons restrict the number of people you bring with you so when you make the appointments be sure to ask. There just isn't enough room for everyone. Judith made some good points too. Some people choose to have a few people come to the fittings after the dress is purchased so perhaps that's a way you could include those not coming with you to choose the dress.